u-blox announces plans to support Verizon’s new LTE Cat M1 network for IoT by end of 2016

u-blox, today announced plans to launch a module supporting Verizon’s new Category M1 (Cat M1) LTE network, which is designed to allow a larger number of devices to connect to the Internet of Things (IoT).

The SARA-R404M module is based on Qualcomm Technologies’ MDM9206 LTE modem and is anticipated to be available for the Q4 2016 launch of Verizon’s LTE Cat M1 network, which is scheduled to achieve nationwide US coverage by the end of Q1 2017. The new cost effective LTE Cat M1 SARA-R404M complements u-blox’s extensive product offerings for the IoT market.

LTE Cat M1 is part of the new 3GPP Release 13 standard supporting low power wide area technologies in the licensed spectrum and specifically supports IoT applications with low to medium data throughput rates, as well as devices that require long battery lifetimes. Using licensed spectrum provides a secure, private and reliable network with managed and predictable service. The market focus for this new technology is extensive and will cover applications in many areas, such as the smart home, security systems, industrial monitoring and control, asset tracking, telematics, connected health, smart metering, smart cities and wearables.

The 3GPP Cat M1 specification also addresses the IoT’s need for LTE-grade low latency while consuming less power than 2G or 3G technologies, optimized for long battery life of up to 10 years for some use cases, which in turn means less maintenance and a reduced cost of ownership. Additionally, Cat M1’s handover capability delivers the technology necessary to support vehicle, asset and people tracking.

“u-blox is a global leader in developing cellular modules designed for IoT applications. We are excited to extend our long-time relationship with Verizon and supply modules that will support Verizon’s new LTE Cat M1 network,” said Nic Papadopoulos, President, u-blox America.

“u-blox is a valued partner that has provided several radio modules for use on Verizon’s network,” said Chris Schmidt, Executive Director Device Technology at Verizon. “We are pleased to see cost-effective LTE solutions such as u-blox’s SARA-R404M come to market, which expands the portfolio of module solutions available for customers to connect to Verizon’s LTE Cat M1 network”.

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with u-blox and Verizon to bring a new generation of connected devices into the IoT,” said Serge Willenegger, Senior Vice President, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies Inc.

“Qualcomm Technologies’ MDM9206 modem with support for Category M1 is engineered to deliver reliable, low power and optimized LTE cellular connectivity. This opens up a new set of revenue generating business models, as well as new types of services and offerings for industrial, commercial and smart cities applications.”